Downtown Youngstown in Mahoning County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Rick Ward
| — | Youngstown Walk of Fame | — |
Photographed by Mark Parker, July 14, 2026
1. Rick Ward Marker
Edward "Rick" Ward is a Youngstown-born guitarist whose career spans more than four decades across jazz, funk, R&B, and soul. Known for his expressive playing and deep groove, Ward has performed with legendary acts including the Ohio Players, Betty Wright, Brian McKnight, Arrested Development, and Billy Beck. His work also earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Historical Album for The Beatles' Live at the BBC, alongside George Martin. Through the Rick Ward Project, Beck/Ward Project, and decades of live performances, Ward has helped shape and sustain Youngstown's music scene, inspiring fellow musicians and keeping the city's rich tradition of soul, jazz, and funk alive for future generations.
Erected 2026 by The City of Youngstown.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment.
Location. 41° 5.795′ N, 80° 39.09′ W. Marker is in Youngstown, Ohio, in Mahoning County. It is in Downtown Youngstown. It is at the intersection of Market Street and Emily Alley, on the right when traveling
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Ohio’s Western Reserve and in the Mahoning Valley. It is also in the American Midwest. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Kool & the Gang (here, next to this marker); Kelly "The Ghost" Pavlik (here, next to this marker); Billy Beck (here, next to this marker); Jeff "Prime Time" Lampkin (here, next to this marker); Harry "Dirty Harry" Arroyo (here, next to this marker); Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini (here, next to this marker); Greg "The Flea" Richardson (here, next to this marker); 'A Handshake for the Century' (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers
Photographed by Mark Parker, July 14, 2026
2. Rick Ward Marker on the left at the Youngstown Walk of Fame. Market St bridge passes over Wean Park.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 15, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 7, 2026, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 15 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 7, 2026, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
